News Briefs

In order to raise awareness on the link between school attendance and academic achievement, Dallas ISD is hosting the national September Attendance Awareness Month with a focus on reducing chronic absenteeism to give all students an equitable opportunity to learn, grow and thrive academically, emotionally and socially. Attendance Awareness Month will provide the district with an opportunity to raise student and community awareness on the importance of school attendance and demonstrate that attendance is a top priority. See below how we are celebrating Attendance Awareness Month and join in the fun by using the hashtag #ShowUpDallasISD!

For more than a decade, thousands of Dallas ISD students and parents with questions about college have attended the districtwide college fair for answers. This year’s event will again offer vital information about college admission, financial aid, campus life and how to select a best-fit college. The main difference is the 2020 event will be held virtually to accommodate families during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s college fair is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., Wed., Sept. 16. Tamara Singleton is a counseling coordinator for the district’s Counseling Services team. Singleton says the virtual platform of this year’s college fair…

We know our families who receive special education services from Dallas ISD have questions about this school year. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions. EVALUATIONS/ARD Can my child still be referred for a special education evaluation? Yes, the campus Student Support Team (SST) will respond to teacher and/or parent concerns related to a child’s academic and/or emotional needs.  Interventions may be recommended to address the root cause of the problem.  If a disability is suspected, the SST will work with parents to initiate a referral for a special education evaluation.  Meetings will be scheduled at a mutually…

In these uncertain times due to the spread of COVID-19, something as important as the 2020 Census may have been overlooked by many families. However, it is important to remember that this effort is not only a count of all the individuals living in the U.S., but its results have very real implications for communities over the next decade. “By counting everyone in the Dallas ISD community, the census provides information that translates into funds for lunch programs, better schools, transportation and other services in our state and communities,” said Liliana Valadez, executive director of Parent Advocacy and Support Services…